It's one the most common human fears and phobias of all, particularly for those of us beyond our 20s, as we remember the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of going to the dentist in our childhood. The big needle. The high-pitched whirr and jarring vibration of the dentist's drill. The scent of antiseptic and freshly-ground cavities. Those vivid memories may trigger high anxiety and a great reluctance to return to the dentist for much-needed care. But anyone who has visited the dentist in more recent years has been pleasantly greeted by an ever-expanding array of technologies and techniques designed to make the dental experience far less fearful and far more effective. Pain-free injections. High-precision tools that barely make a sound. Digital imaging that creates instant x-rays and high-definition templates for making crowns. Even lasers that treat cavities without drills or anesthesia. Those technologies have made modern-day dentistry less well, like pulling teeth and more like what it should be: an easy-to-tolerate, even welcomed part of your overall health maintenance routine. Here's just a sampling of what you'll likely find at the dentist nowadays: The Wand: One of the greatest sources of dental dread in the past was the large needle used to inject anesthesia. Most of today's dentists are using a gentle, computer-assisted device called the Wand for delivering anesthesia. Held by the dentist like a pen, the Wand slowly administers anesthesia in computer-calibrated amounts through a small needle at the tip. Many patients say they don't even feel the injection. Digital x-rays: Remember those visits when your cheeks were stuffed with that film-strip apparatus used to take x-rays of your teeth? One section at time, you'd sit there mouth agape, draped in a lead blanket as the technician stepped out to throw the switch on huge camera aimed at your face. Today, those x-rays are captured instantly and comfortably with a hand-held sensor that processes the image onto a nearby computer screen. Radiation exposure is one-10th of what it was with the old method. Digital impressions: You know that goop that made you gag when they took an impression of your teeth for a crown or other dental restoration? Well, it has been all but replaced by digital technology. A hand-held device fitted with a camera goes gently into the mouth and is used to capture extraordinarily high definition images of your original tooth. Those super 3D images become the template for creating exact-fit crowns, bridges and other tooth replacements. Electric hand pieces: The often scary sounds and sensations associated with air-driven drills — the loud whine and the whirring vibrations — also are fading away. Following the lead of their European and Asian counterparts, U.S. dentists increasingly are using electric hand pieces, which are faster and more precise. They have a truer spin, a steady torque and don't slow down, stall or stop when the head of the device is applied to the tooth. They're also a lot quieter, almost inaudible when a dental air-vacuum tool also is being used. Dental lasers: Another fast-evolving technology used in dentistry, lasers are being used for both soft-tissue and hard-tooth procedures. In some instances, they are used to prepare cavities for fillings without the use of anesthesia, as the lasers have a numbing effect themselves. Lasers are able to narrowly target the areas of the tooth structure needing treatment and also remove decay with microscopic precision. Though they haven't replaced other time-proven dental technologies, lasers are an emerging trend. Regular dental care is an important part, not only of your oral health, but of your overall health throughout your life. That's one of the reasons why we're forever embracing new technologies and seeking ways to make the dental experience better for everyone. via Charles Nemser, DDS for Bennington Banner SaveSave
If you’ve ever had a root canal you probably appreciated how it fixed your pain … eventually. But you probably didn’t appreciate the root canal itself. Today’s a day to change that, because it’s Root Canal Appreciation Day. Yes, really. Dr. Chris Kammer, a dentist, created the day back in 2005. Now you’re probably not surprised that a dentist would commemorate such a horrendous procedure. But Dr. Kammer isn’t just any dentist (and a root canal isn’t really horrendous—more on that later!). He’s the “Rock and Roll Dentist,” who has performed with Deep Purple, Kiss, Garbage and others. He also wrote and performed the tooth brushing song Get Out the Brush at the Madison Mallards baseball park in Madison, Wisconsin. Apparently the 5,991 fans in attendance then all brushed their teeth simultaneously, setting a new record. To kick off his newly created day he performed a root canal at the same park. Well, actually just the end of the procedure. But we give tons of credit to his patient for agreeing to that! His goal with the day was to “hit a home run for the image of the root canal!” He wants people to understand that the old ideas of root canals no longer apply. They help save teeth, which is preferable to pulling them. The day is unofficial, but in 2005 was recognized by then Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and Dave Cieslewicz, then the mayor of Madison. A Few Bites of Root Canal Facts How much do you really know about root canals? Are you sure? There’s a lot of myths floating around about root canals. Let’s start with the idea they’re painful. Since they’re done with anesthesia, they’re no more painful than any other procedure, including getting a filling. Unpleasant maybe, but not painful. Ok, we admit you’ll probably have some pain after the anesthesia wears off, but it’s manageable (yes, really). Root canals take much less time than you might think, too. A “normal” one can take as little as an hour & you’re done. Sometimes the dentist may have to put an antibiotic in your tooth to kill off a particularly bad infection. In that case it’ll be a two-part procedure, with each part a couple days apart. If you think pulling the tooth is a better option than a root canal, think again. Most of the time saving your natural tooth is better than implants or a dental bridge. If the root canal is done right, and a good crown is put over the tooth, you don’t have to worry about what you eat. Want to know more about root canal myths and facts? Check out this blog post.
As far as my dental history goes, I've been pretty lucky. My parents always stressed the importance of taking care of my teeth and took me to the dentist on a regular basis. I never had to have braces and didn't even have a cavity for most of my 30s. Then, as they say, "go big or go home": at 39, I had my first cavity. I didn't even know I had one until my tooth chipped over dinner. An immediate trip to the dentist revealed I not only had a cavity, but I would need a root canal and then a crown. I made it through both those things and thought it was over. I swore to myself I would do a better at staying on top of things and went on with my life. From the day the crown was placed, it never felt "right": there was always an element of discomfort and my 24/7 awareness that it felt foreign and weird. After the first year, I started feeling more discomfort. Around year two, I began to notice gum inflammation around the crown.  Unfortunately, the dentist who did the crown work had gone out of business, so I had to find a new dentist. Many of my downtown/east Nashville friends had recommended Downtown Dental. Dr. Clark and his team were amazing from my first patient exam. Turns out I not only had a metal allergy to the original crown, but the deep placement of the crown had created significant gum infection. It wasn't the worst news, but as someone who is highly sensitive to antibiotics and tries to go the natural route whenever possible, I didn't look forward to the treatment that would clear up the infection/irritation. Enter "the laser". I soon happily learned that dentists can use lasers for a host of incredible treatments: not only for bacterial reduction (in this case, for my gums), but for pain management/anesthesia, fillings, tooth contouring/cleaning, and even cold sores. My three laser treatments were quick, absolutely painless, and best of all, I didn't have to take any antibiotics. The team at Downtown Dental is warm and wonderful, but even better than that, I'm thankful for a dentist who commits to painless technology as treatment versus standard pharmaceutical medication. Turns out there's a better way to do a lot of things without wreaking havoc on the body...even in dentistry. -D. Carson, 41: Dickson, TN

      Finding a healthy sedation solution Have you ever heard about non-toxic dental sedation techniques? They are available to dental patients across the country, including those in Nashville. If you are afraid of the dentist, let's talk about our holistic approach. We limit invasiveness and the need for sedation by utilizing new technologies. We also have seen first-hand the impact a system called NuCalm® has on worried patients. We are so happy to offer this technology to our Downtown Dental patients who may experience dental anxiety. What is NuCalm®? NuCalm® is a nontoxic treatment system that will facilitate oral health without harming the rest of the body. The system calms the body by counteracting adrenaline, stimulating microcurrents, calming the pace of brain waves, and blocking visual stimuli to encourage relaxation. NuCalm is unique because it creates deep relaxation without using narcotics or controlled substances, causes no significant side effects, and requires no recuperative time or supervision. How does NuCalm® work? NuCalm organically entrains brain waves to a frequency that promotes relaxation and calm. Beta brain waves (13 Hz-30 Hz per second) are associated with day-to-day wakefulness - mental activity consisting of cognitive, sensory, and motor activities. High beta brain waves (23 Hz-40 Hz per second) are associated with fear and anxiety. NuCalm brings the patient's brain waves from beta or high beta to the alpha and theta ranges (4 Hz-12 Hz per second). Alpha brain waves are considered the first stage of sleep and are typically associated with relaxation and peacefulness during deep meditation and biofeedback. Alpha brain waves are characterized by slower frequencies, higher amplitudes, and are more synchronous than beta brain waves. A person with brain waves in the alpha range is physically unable to be anxious. NuCalm entrains the brain to the alpha/theta ranges, naturally creating homeostasis, neuromuscular release, and relaxation. Who is Benefiting from NuCalm®? -Over 700,000 dental patients have used NuCalm for a drug-free, relaxing dental appointment across 5 continents -Used daily by professional and olympic athletes for recovery and improving sleep -Used by cancer patients to resolve nausea, improve sleep quality, and manage their stress -Used by jet pilots to resolve jet lag -Used by top executives to manage stress and travel demands -Used by psychotherapists to facilitate cognitive behavioral therapy and treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Visiting the dentist is nerve-wracking for many individuals, even those visiting for a simple check-up. Having to undergo sedation can make matters worse, especially if that process involves traditional techniques and chemicals. Working with our patients to provide an opportunity to de-stress while they get treatment is an unexpected benefit that decreases inflammation, boosts recovery time, and is a reminder that we care so much about your overall health. Here's a great video that explains more about how NuCalm works: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDAZua8R92Y&feature=youtu.be[/embed]  
Let’s be real here: We know that visiting the dentist can be something that makes many patients nervous. Research shows that 20% of individuals who experience severe anxiety will only go to the dentist if absolutely necessary. However, regular dental checkups are vital not only because they keep your teeth and gums healthy, but they can also help protect and maintain your overall health and well-being. Downtown Dental is sensitive to the fears and concerns of our Nashville dental patients and we strive to create a comfortable environment for all patients, no matter their personal concerns. If the idea of visiting the dentist gives you anxiety, consider a few reasons why Dr. Clark's office can help ease your fears: We listen. We invite you to express your worries from the very first moment you call to book an appointment. Our team makes your concerns our concerns. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past, are afraid of needles, or are apprehensive about any specific part of your appointment, let’s discuss it. We promise to listen carefully to get a full understanding of how you feel. We give you all the information and discuss solutions. Dr. Clark and our team will share with you a full range of options and information so you can make an educated decision about your personal treatment. We will not rush you into a decision you’re not comfortable with. Additionally, we offer safe, effective dental sedation that has helped other patients like you overcome their dental fears. There are several options available; our team will be happy to discuss the solution that’s right for you and your treatment.  Are you concerned about cost or time? In addition to general fear of the dentist, many patients might be anxious about the cost or duration of necessary dental treatments. We make a point to discuss your options in detail with you so you feel comfortable with every aspect of treatment. Depending on the procedure needed, there may be multiple options available that can fit your time frame and/or budget. Some procedures can be completed in the same day. Your treatment coordinator will explain to you how you can best maximize your dental benefit assistance and the various financing options available to you in order to make your treatment affordable.  The ultimate decision is yours to make, and we will make sure you have all the information you need to choose the treatment plan and financing option that’s right for your dental health and your wallet. Bottom line: we deal with dental phobia every single day, and we get it. We won't judge you or dismiss your fears, and we'll do everything we can to work with you to feel more relaxed. Beyond the initial anxiety, regaining control of your dental health will be the biggest step you ever take in overcoming your fear of the dentist.

How Does Chemotherapy Affect the Mouth?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer and other diseases. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva, as well as an increased likelihood of cold sores and other mouth infections.

It’s Important to Know Side Effects in the Mouth Can be Serious

  • The side effects can be painful and make it hard to eat, talk, and swallow.
  • You are more likely to get an infection, which can be dangerous, when you are receiving treatment.
  • If the side effects are bad, you may not be able to keep up with your cancer treatment. Your doctor may need to cut back on your treatment or may even stop it.

What Mouth Problems Does Chemotherapy Cause?

The problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends.
  • Painful mouth and gums
  • Dry mouth
  • Higher risk of cavities
  • Burning, peeling, or swelling tongue
  • Infection
  • Change in taste

Why Should I See a Dentist?

If you go to the dentist before chemotherapy begins, you can help prevent serious mouth problems. Side effects often happen because a person’s mouth is not healthy before chemotherapy starts. Not all mouth problems can be avoided but the fewer side effects you have, the more likely you will stay on your cancer treatment schedule. It’s important for your dentist and oncologist to talk to each other about your cancer treatment. Be sure to give your dentist your oncologist’s phone number.

When Should I See a Dentist?

You need to see the dentist at least two weeks before your chemotherapy begins. If you have already started chemotherapy and didn’t go to a dentist, see one as soon as possible. You should also see a dentist as recommended or needed during and after treatment.

What Will the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Do?

  • Check your teeth and gums.
  • Take X-rays if necessary.
  • Take care of mouth problems - especially infected teeth which may cause problems later.
  • Show you how to take care of your mouth to prevent side effects.

What Can I Do To Keep My Mouth Healthy?

See a dentist before you start cancer treatment. Ask about whether you may need artificial saliva, fluoride, and/or other rinses. Once your treatment starts, look in your mouth every day for sores or other changes. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth. LEARN MORE about your oral care during cancer treatments. Resource: Delta Dental
[caption id="attachment_1491" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Intense tooth pain, sensitivity, and discoloration could be signs that you have a root canal!
Intense tooth pain, sensitivity, and discoloration could be signs that you have a root canal![/caption]
wpid-wisdom-teeth_31405615When your wisdom teeth start to emerge it can definitely be painful, but it can be even worse if your wisdom teeth become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are trying to erupt but are unable to do so because there is not sufficient room for them to emerge. This usually means that your wisdom teeth are painfully lodged in your jawbone. While you may not see any real signs of the emerging wisdom teeth when they are impacted, what you can’t see can still definitely hurt you. Some of the indicators of impacted wisdom teeth are listed below.
  • Jaw Pain: Pain in the back of your jaw is a common indicator of impacted wisdom teeth. The pain often concentrates in the area around your gums.
  • Changes in the Mouth: You may notice some changes in your mouth when you have impacted wisdom teeth. Reddish gums, swelling in the jaw, bleeding gums, and bad breath can all be indicators that you are dealing with impacted wisdom teeth.
  • Headaches: If you suddenly start having headaches, especially at the same time as some of the other issues mentioned above, they may indicate impacted wisdom teeth.
  • Chewing Issues: Problems with chewing normally can indicate impacted wisdom teeth. If you are having trouble making the chewing motions because your mouth won’t quite open and close as easily as it used to, impacted wisdom teeth may be the culprit.
The Solution If you are suffering from impacted wisdom teeth, the best solution is usually going to be removal. This is not a problem that will resolve naturally, and in fact, your pain and other symptoms may worsen as your wisdom teeth become increasingly impacted. Dr. Clark and Downtown Dental team can review the details of wisdom teeth removal surgery with you and help you determine if this is the best solution for your situation.
lbr               In 2004, Time Magazine ran a cover story entitled "The Secret Killer.". It addressed the "surprising link between inflammation and heart attacks, cancer, alzheimers, and other diseases, and what we can do to fight it." The article reported that simply "flossing your teeth combats gum disease, a source of chronic inflammation." READ ARTICLE The media had finally awakened to a problem that we have already identified and begun to aggressively treat. In addition to using floss and other personal oral hygiene products, we now use lasers to kill the bacteria associated with gum disease, inflammation and infection.  Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) enables us to destroy the bacteria that cause inflammation and periodontal disease. In other words, just by circling the teeth with the laser, we can drastically reduce the harmful bacteria that can compromise our dental and overall health.  The application of the laser can take bacterial counts around an inflamed periodontal pocket from billions down to hundreds within seconds. 

Downtown Dental uses lasers to attack periodontal inflammation at the microscopic level of infection.  The power of its focused light destroys otherwise inaccessible bacterial colonies while simultaneously creating an ideal environment for healing.  Today, our practice offers our patients the hope of a better tomorrow by providing oral health care in ways that were science fiction only a few years ago.

We are not only cleaning teeth and creating beautiful smiles: with our progressive dental laser therapy, we are enhancing your lifestyle and hopefully prolonging your life.

Hear one patient's story of Laser Bacteria Reduction (LBR) to treat gum infection.
Did you know that seeing your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings could help you become aware of a potential health issue?  Oral health provides clues to your overall health. Studies have shown that your mouth can provide early warning signs for more than 90% of all systemic diseases, diseases that affect a number of organs or tissues, or your body as a whole. By a simple visit to your dentist every six months for your bi-annual cleaning, you could either prevent, or become aware of potential life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease.
Your dentist will look for signs of gum disease, and upon treating, or working to prevent this illness, can help patients lower their risk by prescribing ways to prevent the disease from fully developing or evolving to another illness. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), more than 80% of Americans are battling gum disease, making the need for ongoing dental care even more important now than ever. Are you next? Warning signs of gum disease that you should be on the lookout for:
  • Red, tender or swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
  • Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other
Those who already being treated for gum disease or who are working with their dentists to prevent the disease, are taking steps in the right direction for overall good health.